Malin Fex

Lipid metabolism in the pancreatic beta-cell. Implications for insulin secretion

We have investigated the role of lipid metabolism with regard to beta-cell function and insulin secretion. Lipids are known to play a crucial functional role in the pancreatic beta-cell, where they are essential for adequate hormone release, but may also exert a long-term toxic effect, leading to beta-cell dysfunction. Our studies in mice, where insulin resistance and glucose intolerance was induced by high fat diet, showed that beta-cells compensate by increasing mitochondrial mass and hence shift oxidation from glucose to other fuels, such as amino acids and free fatty acids. This process is likely a means to maintain euglycemia, and if it tails diabetes will evolve.

We have studied the consequences of a targeted inactivation of a key enzyme in lipolysis: hormone sensitive lipase (HSL). To this end, both a global knock out of HSL and a beta-cell spcific KO of the enzyme (beta-HSL KO) were created. In theory, disruption of HSL could cause an accumulation of lipids, inducing cellular toxicity, as well as having an effect on overall enerly homeostasis. Additionally, inulsin secretion from beta-cells could be compromised due to abrogation of an essential lipid signal normally provided by HSL.

In the global KO of HSL, we found that ablation of HSL causes insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and liver; accumulation of diglyceride was observed in adipose tissue. However, lack of HSL did not have an effect on insulin secretion in the glocal KO mouse of HSL. This may be due to compensatory mechanisms. By contrast, in our beta-HSL KO, an ablation of the protein made a strong impact on insulin secretion both in vivo and in vitro, beta-HSL KO mice were hyperglycemic, and the first phase of insulin secretion was selectively affected.

Furthermore, an increase in adipose mass in beta-HSL KO mice, accompanied by a rise in plasma liptin levels, as well as increased peripheral insulin sensitivity, indicates crosstalk between tissues involved in betabolic control. We hereby conclude that HSL is a key enzyme in overall glucose homeostasis. Its vivotal role may be attributed to the provision of lipi-derived signals essential for control of insulin release.